A beautiful, handmade figurine of a boy - Sibania

Porcelain figurine of Pino depicting a little ghost sitting on the ground. A porcelain ghost figurine on one knee. It wears a t-shirt with a yellow flower, a belt and a collar made of small green leaves, tight orange pants, and a pointed hat with yellow flowers.

Every item produced by Sibania is absolutely unique both in terms of the craftsmanship of each piece and the technique used, which is unrivaled and difficult to imitate. These items are fully modeled and hand-painted in our laboratory in Vicenza (Italy). The clothing consists of thin porcelain sheets with printed textures. These sheets are cut according to the dress pattern and then patiently applied to the statue’s torso. Hairstyles are also occasionally handcrafted. Faces, clothing, and accessories are painted with non-toxic colors on the “biscuit” terracotta; the piece is finally subjected to a further firing called “third fire.” Additional details, such as violin strings or stand supports, are added at this stage to the finished piece.

The highest quality porcelain material combined with manual craftsmanship and original designs is the hallmark of Sibania. It is a tribute to true craftsmanship, human dexterity, and the times when handmade products were highly valued. Delicate porcelain dolls are their signature, recognized worldwide. Sibania is an Italian company based in Vicenza. Italian craftsmanship and the tradition of artisan workshops underpin the company’s ongoing research into materials and production techniques.

From porcelain paste to production, the entire process is developed entirely in workshops in Isola Vicentina, where skilled artisans, designers, and painters meticulously refine each figurine and give each face its own expression. Inspired by the stylistic and technical features of traditional porcelain craftsmanship, such as Capodimonte porcelain, Sibania has been producing porcelain since 1980. Building on this tradition, characterized by exceptional manual skills, the company strives to introduce continuous innovations while maintaining handcrafted techniques and Italian craftsmanship as a reference point.

The manufactory places great importance on the evolving tradition of the artisan workshop, with detailed research into materials, and one of their goals is continuous product innovation with respect for human health: using only non-toxic, lead-free, cadmium-free, and other hazardous substances. After experience with Capodimonte porcelain, it can be proudly stated that since the mid-1980s, Sibania has been a leading company in the field of porcelain doll production. Indeed, since the 1980s, production has been based on proprietary biscuit component models for major artisan workshops and porcelain doll companies in Italy. In 1998, the company began producing figurines, small sculptures mainly depicting children. On one hand, they continuously draw on the productive finishing and decorating techniques learned during Capodimonte experiences, and on the other, they introduce new stylistic and technical methods. The unique and specific techniques used by Sibania, along with the widespread use of manual skills, make their works truly one of a kind.

These stylish figurines aim to represent the world, the world of childhood—full of emotions and capable of evoking feelings in those who encounter them; believing that the purity of porcelain makes it the most suitable material for artistically depicting childhood innocence and purity. For creating these sculptures, traditional techniques serve as a starting point for a more innovative and contemporary representation, as the company’s work is characterized by a distinctive modern expression. These figurines are collectible items, but their expressive power can easily convey care or messages, making them occasionally very meaningful gifts.